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Category: #HappySelves

Spa Fit Range from The Body Shop | QueenBeady

Spa Fit Toning Massage Oil C/O The Body Shop | Spa Fit Body Massager C/O The Body Shop

Okay, okay. I’ll hold my hands up, I’m not the biggest advocate of beauty. You most likely didn’t click through to my blog & expect anything beauty related either. But when I was sent some Body Shop goodie I found it hard not to resist. And if there is one thing I know about it’s a pamper session. I’d psyched myself up for a big night, face mask on, moisturised, nails done. I was in total pamper heaven. A whole day to myself meant that I could just indulge in doing whatever the hell I liked. As most of you know I am on a bit of a ”get fit & healthy” campaign at the moment where I’m trying to really tone up. I’m doing pretty well. Most weeks I go to the gym twice a week and also I’m eating much healthier (bar the odd treat here and there!) I’m not going to lie though, I’m a sucker for a ”quick fix.” When The Body Shop sent a little package of massage oil (Mr C probably thought he was in for a good time this VDAY!) along with a toning massager I knew I wanted to give them a go. After applying a generous amount of massage oil to my skin I whirred the massager around my body. It is a great way to combat cellulite, some of which I desperately need to shift! After a vigorous few minutes on each section of my body my skin did turn red. Probably because I was a little too rough with it. Now, now I can hear what you are thinking, I’m going all ”50 shades” on you, but I can assure you my wobbly bits in the tiniest bathroom going does not scream glamour, nor sex appeal I will have you know. The moisturising massage oil contains 100% natural-origin citrus ingredients. It will leave skin looking smoother and more toned and me smelling like an Italian Fruit Farm. I could pretty much chomp on my own leg had I had the desire. Marks out of ten, I’d give it a great eight. Whilst it gave the effects I ideally wanted a little bit of pain does have to be endured! The two products from the Spa Fit range are available online and instore. Have you bought anything from The Body Shop lately? I’m a sucker for products that smell amazing!

Rebecca xxx

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February 22, 2015
Life’s Biggest (Non) Secret | QueenBeady

Guys, I’m going to let you in to a little secret here. It appears not many people know it. The truth of the matter is; you are in control of your happiness. There I said it. You’ll see on my blog recently that I (preach) talk about how I have finally taken control of my lifestyle which ultimately is making me a much happier person. I’ve conquered my wallowing in self-pity post-wedding & I’m doing things that I have meant to do for the last, eight years. Eight whole years. That is a long time. A long, long time to finally take charge. I don’t know if it’s blogging/connecting with some really inspiring minds that has given me a view to just seize the day. If it’s the fact that my pay packet is allowing me to do some of the things I regrettably wouldn’t have been able to do in my past employment or the fact that I’m really secure in my marriage. But what I do know is that a whole host of things have culminated in me going in to 2015 with a much more open mind. I think once you start rooting around you’ll realise that you can be the maker of whatever you want & that is a fabulous feeling.

So, what does make me happy?

1.) Blogging. It is corny & it is cheesy but blogging has really pushed me to do something I have always loved and that is to write. It might be absolute tosh, but all the same, it makes my day that I have possibly connected with someone just from my thoughts and words!

2.) My husband. Again, it’s the biggest ”cheese on toast” statement of them all. But, he is my rock, my everything really. He’s not the most romantic guy in the world (if you ever marry a Farmers Son don’t expect roses!) but when he has those moments I know he truly means it.

3.) Spring. I love it when the nights start to get lighter, its lambing time down on the farm, the daffodils are starting to sprout. Everything is coming back to life after a bleak few months of winter.

4.) Shopping. My online shopping addiction is fast becoming one of my favourite things. It gives you that chance to mmm & ahhh over what to buy without all the frantic shoppers pushing you around.

5.) Alone time. Sometimes it is just nice to have day at home chilling out on your own. PJ’s, DVD on & a cup of tea. Spending time alone is seriously undervalued. No make up, no effort. It’s one of life’s little guilty pleasures.

6.) Travel. I love holidays and heading abroad. Who doesn’t like to seek sunnier climates (oh, unless you’re my father in law) I want to travel the world & I want to do it with the people I love. I really need to start saving once I have passed my driving test so I can finally visit those places on my to-do list.

7.) My beautiful family. After my granddad’s health scare last year, I will never ever take my family for granted. A dear friend of mine has just lost her granddad & it breaks my heart because we were so close and teetering on that tight rope last year. Always make time for your family.

8.) Learning new things. It’s so great to open your mind to things you might never have really thought about, decided to do or better yet learn from someone else. Every day you discover more & more about yourself and the world. Don’t be afraid to open your mind up to those things!

9.) Music. Music makes the world go round (is that the saying?) I love going to gigs & festivals, my dream would be to be part of corporation that puts together big festivals like Glastonbury & Leeds Festival. Music can trigger a whole range of emotions.

10.) Life itself. We were put on this earth to make babies and keep civilisation on a constant repeat. Lap it up. Enjoy your however many years you are here, by laughing, loving, enjoying, playing, partying, indulging and being all round awesome. I am starting to say YES to so much more now and I’m not looking back!

There is no key to it, there are no set rules it’s just all about the simple pleasures in life that can invigorate the body & mind. What one person might find enjoyable, another may detest! My monthly #HappySelves chat took place on Monday & it was so invigorating to see people join in & spread positivity. Everyone instilled it in themselves and they did that without tearing one another down. Isn’t that just a wonderful thing? There are days that you wish you could be someone else, or do things that someone else has the privilege to do. But do you know what I would not change my life for all the tea in china.

Have you felt inspired recently? Or had one of those long-awaited epiphany’s?

Rebecca xxx

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February 4, 2015
Afternoon Tea at Betty’s | QueenBeady

This was going to be the year my sister & I spoilt our Mum spoilt rotten for her birthday. It passed with the blink of any eye last year with my granddad being in hospital so it was time to celebrate, albeit a year late (& another year older!) So off we pottered in to York on a brisk, January day. We laughed and giggled and pondered wondering how long it would take for us to get in to Betty’s. For those who don’t know this delicate, Yorkshire privilege is that there is normally a trail of winding around the tall, grand windows of Betty’s as far as the eye can see to eat a Fat Rascal or macaroon. But boy, is it worth it! We only queued for 15 minutes or so & once we got inside we were met with warmth and the decadent smell of coffee beans and all things sweet.

We were taken downstairs to another room & immediately my sister & I piped ”I feel like I’m on the Titanic” & it really did feel like we had time travelled back to 1912. The wood panelling and the boozy, dim lights made it feel more intimate than the large room upstairs with tourists staring at you. Of course, upon handed the menu’s we all opted for the afternoon tea. I, of course, went for a glass of champagne (as one does!) And what a feat we had. The delicate little sandwiches were just divine, I could have eaten a mountain of the smoked salmon sandwiches & I think my sister would have joined me in that too. A scone with jam & clotted cream was next on the agenda. By this time I was nearly bursting at the seams but it was my mission to tackle the ”third course” of a selection from the patisserie stand. A fruit tart, a decadent chocolate cake & an almond macaroon, all of which were yummy in their own special way. We sipped team laughed & giggled some more. I felt so happy in that moment spending time with the dearest woman in my life, Mum, Nana & Jessica. We vowed we needed to do this more often!

No visit to Betty’s is complete without having a little wander round the shop upstairs. I was desperate for some chocolate macaroons which were so amazing, they just melt in your mouth. I also, picked up a cute little chocolate heart to take back for Mr C, yes, it may sound cute but of course I made him share it.

Did you have a lovely weekend too? Have you been to Bettys, if so what was your favourite sweet treat?

Rebecca xxx

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February 3, 2015
My Top 5 Essential Work Out Songs | QueenBeady
Most of you know that I am now in the midst of a ”get fit” campaign to fight the mounting excess bulge that has appeared over the last six months. I’ve always found it really hard to motivate myself at the gym. Mainly because I dread the post-gym sweat. But, I’ve been working on ways to get myself pumped & ready to go hard and faster and I’ve worked out what it is that helps me get through my work out. Music. It’s no evolutionary matter but for me it really is. As soon as I put my earphones in I am ready to go for it for the next hour. So what are my top 5 essential songs?
1. Years & Years – Real
I adore this electro-indie trio that just seems to be making waves in the music industry. After winning the BBC Sound of Music 2015 award I have really kept my eye on these guys. It’s just a really, feel good tune that makes me sing along, great for your first work out!
1. Ella Eyre – Comeback
Ever since I saw ”The Lioness” at a gig in Leeds last year I have been totally mesmerised by her! Her voice is top $$ – those pipes are enviable. This song is a real angry song that makes your heart beat faster and work harder. I tend to listen to this one when I’m on the exercise bike!
1. Neon Jungle – Braveheart
This is about the only song that I have heard by these women but the dirty baseline is a real get up & go song too. This is what I put on when I want to push myself on the Stepper/Crosstrainer, I seem to burn so many more calories when I listen to this so it’s a definite must. Albeit I am shattered once I come off.
1. Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne – Real Love
After we saw Clean Bandit at Leeds Fest last year I just love them I listen, especially when the collab with the fabulous, raven haired Jess Glynne! This one is great for the Rowing Machine. The beat is great to keep the momentum going.

5. Flight Facilities – Down to Earth

This one is for the cool-down. It’s a really good tune that I downloaded for free on iTunes and have it on repeat. I tend to listen to this one when I’m doing a steady, inclined pace on the Running Machine. If it’s free download it, even if it isn’t, download it.

It’d be great to hear some song suggestions from you guys too! Let me know what keeps you motivated at the gym.

Rebecca xxx

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January 28, 2015
Date Night with Vue Cinema | QueenBeady

I don’t know about you, but every now & then I like to have my husband all to myself. No dogs, no friends & no in-laws in tow. Thanks to Vue Cinema who kindly gifted us some tickets to watch a film of our choice I was going to get that night with my husband (oh, and maybe Liam Neeson too?)

In true cinema style we headed to Frankie & Benny’s to fill our tummy’s with some scrumptious food beforehand. It’s something of a ritual that we must go to one of those big food chains and pig out on as much food as you can so you can then sit in a food coma during the film.On arrival it was a little busy so I ordered my favuourite cocktail, a ”Woo Woo.” It had to be one of the best versions that I have ever tried, full points to F&B’s for an awesome cocktail & James had a Stella to clear away the cobwebs. After being seated in our little booth Icouldn’t help but find myself singing/humming along to the American Italian music that was filling the air. The atmosphere at Frankie & Benny’s is second to none, especially when the Birthday Boy or Girl has to stand on the chair and have a resounding chorus of ”Happy Birthday” sang to them.

As I perused the menu I just could not decide what to have, everything sounded too tasty! I finally decided upon Garlic & Cheese mushrooms for my starter & the New Jersey Chicken for my main course. Both of which were spot on. The New Jersey Chicken isa whole fresh chicken breast topped with crispy bacon and pulled pork, smothered in their famous BBQ and jalapeño cheese sauces. Served with spicy onion rings, corn on the cob, coleslaw & fries. James had the meatball starter & the Black Pepper Mayo burger, which he struggled with mainly because of the bread but he said it was delicious all the same! Service was a little slow but it was a Saturday night & truth be told we were happy just taking our time as we were a little early for the film. So of course desert was needed & we opted for the decadent Peanut Butter Cheesecake with peanut butter ice-cream. I am sure some of you saw the photos on Instagram & it really did taste as good as it looked. Thankfully Mr C & I shared as it was a masterpiece but very sweet!

Now, Mr C & I bickered all day about what film to go see. He wanted to see Taken 3 & I wanted to see Theory of Everything. Of course, he bloody won but on the contraire he picked up the tab at F&B’s so I will let him have this one, this time! And you know what, I’m pretty glad we did go see it as it was so fast paced & action packed I did not want to move my eyes from the screen. For those who don’t know what Taken 3 is all about have a little read here! After being assigned seats closer to the back (I didn’t know you couldn’t sit where you liked anymore with Vue. This was a bit of a pooper as it felt like everyone was sat on each others knee’s!) I got comfy in my corner & then I slowly gauged my way through a large popcorn, which is a must when you go to the cinema right? The thrill of the film was just too much to bear, (spoiler alert coming!) was Liam Neeson going to catch who killed his ex-wife? Who was going to get there ass royally kicked next? You just didn’t know. Even though it was a later screening it was jam-packed with Taken die-hard fans who ”Oh’ed” & gasped in the right places.

It was pretty late when we got out of the cinema & terribly icy, after a debate of whether or not we should meet some friends at the pub we decided against it & headed home. We’d had a lovely evening & it was time to get in our PJ’s and get ready for a nice, lazy Sunday!

Have you been to the Cinema recently? What did you go see? Let me know your suggestions for next time!

Rebecca xxx

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January 23, 2015